Michael II Kourkouas of Constantinople

Michael II Kourkouas of Constantinople (Greek: Μιχαήλ Β΄ Κουρκούας), also Michael II Kurkuas or Michael (Oxeites), was the Patriarch of Constantinople from July 1143 to March 1146.

Life

Little is known of the early life of Patr. Michael II Kourkouas. Before being elected patriarch he was a monk at the Monastery of Oxeia. After the death of Patr. Leo Styppis Patr. Michael was elected patriarch as influenced by Manuel I Comnenus, who had been acclaimed emperor on April 5, 1143 by the armies. Later in 1143 after his enthronement, Patr. Michael formally crowned Manuel emperor. Thus, Manuel successfully ascended the imperial throne to which his father, John II Comnenus, had nominated him over his older brother Isaac.[1]

After taking office Patr. Michael II became involved with the persecution of the heretical sect of Bogomils.[2] Disillusioned with the emperor's religious policies after serving as patriarch for three years, Michael II resigned in March 1146. The date of his repose is unknown.